Bermuda can take the lead in protecting the Sargasso Sea, Cox indicates in Budget

By Amanda Dale

Bermuda is spearheading the creation of one of the first high seas marine protected areas (MPAs). The Sargasso Sea could be designated an MPA, protecting its marine life for future generations. Finance Minister and Deputy Premier Paula Cox announced the project during the Budget on Friday, saying it was not only globally important but would also protect the waters of Bermuda. "The health of Bermuda's marine ecosystem is entirely dependent on the health of the wider ocean that surrounds us," she said. "A feasibility study on a project of global importance protecting the Sargasso Sea will be completed in 2010-2011. "The Bermuda Government will be actively investigating how Bermuda can partner with other governments and scientific agencies to act as a catalyst for the designation of the Sargasso Sea as one of the first high seas…